James
These are great observations from the Holy Father’s Wednesday General Audience. If only we heard more of this from the pulpit on Sundays!
Someone can say, “I confess my sins only to God.” Yes, you can say to God, “Forgive me,” and say your sins. But our sins are also against our brothers, against the Church. This is is why it is necessary to ask forgiveness of the Church and of our brothers, in the person of the priest. …
Even embarrassment is good. It’s healthy to have a bit of shame. It does us good, because it makes us more humble. …
Don’t be afraid of confession. When someone is in line for confession, he feels all these things, even shame; but then, when he finishes confessing, he leaves (feeling) free, great, beautiful, forgiven, clean, happy.